Melissa King of Woodstock on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Melissa King and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Melissa, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
When I was 24 years old, several of my close friends at the time planned a weekend trip to NYC and completely surprised me!
They talked to my boss, asked off work for me, packed my suitcase, blind folded me and took me to the airport.
I thought we were going to dinner maybe or going bowling. I don’t think I have ever been surprised and also felt so loved at the same time!
It was a wonderful and unforgettable trip!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Melissa King…I’m a therapist specializing in children, teens and adult women, practicing in downtown Woodstock, GA. I have over 15 years of experience working with those struggling with anxiety, obsessive thinking, grief and life transitions. I also provide supervision for associate level clinicians who are pursuing their licensure in the state of GA or a play therapy credential with the Association for Play Therapy.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My late supervisor during my internship…
Dr. Marcy Susan Hardy.
She taught me so much about integrating my Christian faith into clinical practice.
The year I worked with her was invaluable. I continued to learn from her in the beginning years of my career.
She passed away last year and I’ve thought about her many times lately.
The legacy that she left has been imprinted on my life personally and my career.
I’m forever grateful for the work she did.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I would say fear of being rejected by others and not being accepted has held me back in the past.
Relationships have always been very important to me and sometimes people pleasing became overly important to maintain relationships.
As I’m learning and growing, I have come to realize that it is impossible to please everyone. I’ve also grown to realize that in making choices that are necessary to fulfill what God has planned for my life….this will sometimes lead me to disappoint or frustrate others around me. I’m learning to be OK with that.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Relational and meaningful connection with those I love most.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I loved Jesus and others around me well. Also that others always felt they could be authentically themselves in my presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melissakingcounseling.com
• Instagram: @melissakingcounselor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-king-ba7b409
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16sV5mtwoJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Brittany Hudson
Naomi Hopkins